Chapter 164

In Chapter 164 of “Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth,” Gemma arrives at the hospital, feeling a mix of satisfaction and regret. As she reflects on her decision to accompany Cassian, she realizes she has made a significant mistake. Her frustration grows as she waits for Cassian, who seems to enjoy prolonging their tension. When he finally appears, Gemma is torn between anger and the undeniable attraction she feels toward him, leading to a complicated emotional dynamic as they navigate their unresolved issues.
Their conversation quickly escalates when Gemma discovers that Cassian has not canceled their planned trip to the Nassau Islands, despite her grandfather being in the hospital. Cassian’s nonchalant attitude infuriates her, but she begrudgingly acknowledges his point about her grandfather’s pride. The tension in the car thickens as Gemma struggles with her emotions, feeling both frustrated and drawn to Cassian’s calm demeanor. The chapter captures the complexity of their relationship as they confront family obligations and personal feelings.
Later, Gemma wakes up in Cassian’s penthouse, confused and angry, only to find him unexpectedly cooking breakfast. This sight challenges her long-held belief that Cassian is incapable of such domestic tasks, adding another layer to their relationship. As he casually invites her to eat before heading to the hospital, Gemma is left stunned, reflecting on the changes in Cassian and her feelings toward him. The chapter concludes with a glimpse into Cassian’s perspective, revealing his protective instincts regarding Gemma and the tension surrounding Reyna’s actions, indicating deeper conflicts ahead.
Overall, this chapter encapsulates the emotional turmoil between Gemma and Cassian, highlighting their struggles with communication, family loyalty, and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. The mix of frustration, attraction, and unexpected tenderness sets the stage for further developments as they navigate personal and familial challenges.
**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane Crest 164**
**Chapter 164**
**Gemma’s POV**
As I push through the glass doors of the hospital, a wave of satisfaction that had surged within me moments ago begins to dissipate. The realization hits me like a cold splash of water: I’ve made a monumental error in judgment.
My phone flickers to life, revealing a dismal 7% battery remaining. A groan escapes my lips as I recall the circumstances that had compelled me to accompany Cassian here in the first place—details I had conveniently overlooked in my fit of indignation.
Fantastic!
He’s still inside, undoubtedly prolonging his stay just to heighten my agitation. An idea flits through my mind: perhaps I could meander through the flower shop for a few minutes, feigning casual interest until he decides to grace me with his presence.
But that feels utterly pathetic. Instead, I opt to lean against the car door, inspecting my nails as if this were my choice, my own little act of defiance.
Finally, Cassian appears, his key fob chirping as it unlocks the car.
It infuriates me that even after our argument—knowing fully well that he’ll never see things from my perspective—my heart still races when he leans in close.
More frustrating still is the way I can’t help but notice the sharp angles of his jawline, the way his brows furrow slightly as he tries to maintain his composure. I want to etch this moment into my memory, to remember how he looks when he’s on the brink of losing control.
As he reaches behind me to open my door, our chests brush against each other, and I feel a surge of irritation. “Thanks, but I can manage on my own,” I snap, gritting my teeth.
He simply lets the door swing open and strides around the car to the driver’s seat, sliding in without sparing me a second glance. I’m left staring after him, bewildered. He doesn’t seem angry or upset—if anything, he appears amused.
I climb into the car after him, and the silence envelops us like a heavy blanket. It feels stifling. In a desperate attempt to occupy my hands and distract myself from his maddeningly perfect profile, I pull out my phone.
With a mere 6% battery, I hope it will be sufficient for some mindless scrolling to stave off conversation for at least a little while.
Just then, a notification pings on my lock screen, pulling my attention.
“Looking forward to your flight to Nassau Islands, scheduled for tomorrow…”
Before I can stop myself, I whip my head around to face him, my voice sharp with disbelief. “You didn’t cancel the tickets to Nassau?”
Cassian keeps his gaze fixed on the road, unfazed. “Why would I cancel them?”
Is he serious right now?
“Because Grandpa’s in the hospital! Do you even remember that?” My voice rises, laced with frustration.
He shrugs nonchalantly, folding back the cuff of his sleeve as if we’re discussing the weather instead of a family emergency.
“And do you think he’ll be more upset if we go or if we ignore his grand honeymoon announcement and stay behind?”
I open my mouth to retort, then close it, realizing he has a point. Donovan would be mortified at the thought of us cancelling our plans because of him.
“And let’s not forget, he’s Donovan Blackwell. The man has a staff larger than a small army and enough pride to fake his own recovery just to see us leave as scheduled. But if you want to be the one to let him down, by all means, go ahead.”
I steal a glance at him from the corner of my eye. He appears perfectly composed, gripping the steering wheel with one hand, navigating the winding exit with ease.
“Pack whatever you need,” he adds calmly. “We’re leaving tomorrow.”
I scoff under my breath, casting my gaze out the window. “We’ll see about that.”
For a fleeting moment, I contemplate informing Zina that our plans are still on, but I quickly dismiss the thought. It’s not worth it.
The last time I trusted him completely and involved someone else in our plans, it ended in chaos.
I can’t even recall how we got home. One moment, I was striding toward the car, my mind ablaze with thoughts, and the next, I was waking up in bed as if I had been transported there.
Only, my body felt like it had been shattered and hastily reassembled. I shift in my sleep, forcing my eyes open, only to realize we’re not in the manor.
It’s the penthouse.
I sit up abruptly, my heart racing. Anger simmers beneath my skin as I throw on a robe and storm downstairs. I expect to find him holed up in the office, pretending to be busy. But as I step into the living room, I freeze at the sight of a tall figure moving about in the kitchen.
Cassian…?
He’s humming to himself, tilting a nonstick pan just right, sliding a perfectly round pancake onto a plate with an ease that seems almost foreign to me.
Maybe I hit my head last night! Because Cassian Blackwell does not cook. In fact, I’ve operated under the assumption for three years that he’s utterly incapable of serving anyone.
Yet here he is, setting two plates down at the table before glancing up at me.
“Breakfast?” he asks casually. “You like pancakes, don’t you?”
I stare at him, taken aback. “Uh… yeah.”
He cuts me off smoothly, already moving past me.
“Let’s finish eating and head to the hospital. He must be waiting impatiently to see you.”
**Cassian’s POV, two hours ago…**
Adam’s voice crackles through the phone, far too chipper for this ungodly hour of the morning.
Ever since Gemma dared me to check the surveillance footage, an unsettling feeling has lingered in my mind, a nagging doubt about Reyna’s statements.
“Sir, I reviewed the footage as you requested.”
His tone is almost too cheerful. “Mrs. Blackwell was telling the truth. She never touched Miss Holloway. In fact, she tried to scratch her arm earlier too; Miss Holloway framed her.”
I frown, pressing my thumb against the bridge of my nose. “Are you certain?”
“Yes, sir. Crystal clear! She was—”
I cut him off, my voice turning icy. “I got it.”
Silence hangs heavily on the line. My jaw clenches tightly. I can’t shake the first lesson drilled into me since childhood, before I could even spell my last name.
Family first. No mercy for those who betray your own.
And Reyna just attempted to harm my wife.
I pause, then state flatly, “The next time you see Reyna Holloway, inform her she’s fired.”
Adam stutters, “Y-yes, sir.”
“If she has any complaints, she can come to me directly, not through anyone else.”
I end the call, throwing off the sheets with determination. It’s settled; I’m making breakfast today.
As the morning light filters through the penthouse windows, a sense of warmth envelops Gemma, softening the edges of her irritation. The sight of Cassian, unexpectedly domestic, stirs a flicker of something she thought she had buried beneath layers of resentment and confusion. His gentle demeanor and the simple act of preparing breakfast remind her that beneath their tumultuous exchanges lies a shared history, a bond that has weathered storms. The tension that once felt insurmountable begins to unravel, replaced by a tentative curiosity about the man she thought she knew so well. In that moment, she realizes that perhaps the path forward isn’t about assigning blame or clinging to past grievances, but rather about embracing the unpredictable journey they are on together.
Cassian, too, feels a shift within him as he watches Gemma process the morning’s events. The knowledge that he has stood firm against those who threaten their happiness fills him with a sense of purpose. The pancakes, a simple gesture, become a bridge between them, a reminder of the ordinary joys that can coexist with the chaos of their lives. As they sit down to eat, the silence is no longer stifling but rather a canvas on which they can paint new memories. They are not just two people navigating a complicated relationship; they are partners, learning to trust and support each other in ways they had previously overlooked. With each bite, they begin to forge a new understanding, one that acknowledges the past while looking forward to the future—together.
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**
As the tension between Gemma and Cassian continues to simmer, the next chapter promises to delve deeper into their complex relationship. With the unexpected twist of Cassian cooking breakfast—a skill Gemma never thought he possessed—their dynamic is about to shift in ways neither of them anticipated. Will this act of domesticity be a genuine attempt at reconciliation, or is it merely a facade masking deeper issues? As they prepare to visit the hospital, the stakes rise. With Donovan’s health in the balance and family secrets looming, the pressure on their relationship intensifies.
Moreover, the revelation about Reyna Holloway adds a layer of intrigue that can’t be ignored. Cassian’s icy determination to protect his family will undoubtedly lead to confrontations that could change everything. How will Gemma react to the news of Reyna’s betrayal? As she grapples with her feelings for Cassian and the turmoil surrounding their families, readers can expect emotional confrontations, unexpected alliances, and perhaps even a pivotal moment that forces them to confront their past choices. Will they emerge stronger together, or will the weight of their histories tear them apart? The next chapter is set to unravel these threads, leaving readers breathless with anticipation.
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